MATRIXSYNTH

Cinco Midi Organizer

YouTube via neomerge. via Justin on Matrixsynth Facebook.

YouTube via djthomaswhite. via My Synthesis Technology
"series of videos about my new Music From Outer Space analog sequencer. Log on to www.naturalrhythmmusic.com for mor Another in the series of videos about my new Music From Outer Space analog sequencer. Log on to www.naturalrhythmmusic.com for more information on my DIY projects."

Custom Minimoog owned by Steve Hillage

via this auction.

"This example, serial number 6390, is particularly interesting because it once belonged to Steve Hillage, of Gong and System 7. It's clearly visible on stage in some of his live videos.

The reason it stands out is that Hillage had this synth covered in a blue material which I think is Tolex, a sort of textured plastic used for covering amp cabinets. You'll certainly never see a more distinctive Minimoog, though if you want to restore it to its natural wood finish, I'm sure that would be possible (though it might need a good deal of polishing depending on how the Tolex reacts to being removed). Hillage also had this synth modified by EMS with an oscillator sync switch and keyboard transpose panel, but both these mods failed and have been removed; the key transpose panel might have left a row of small holes in the wood panel above the keyboard, though it's hard to tell without removing the Tolex.

The only other mod is that the S-Trigger input socket has been replaced with a conventional 1/4-inch jack socket; it still functions on the S-Trigger standard, but this makes it easier to find the correct lead - I'm sure a specialist could supply you with a replacement S-Trigger socket if you want! The rear panel of the synth has been removed for better heat dispersal, but again, I'm sure a specialist could supply a replacement. There's also a small rough oblong cut-out in a rear panel, possibly for some other custom connector which has been removed."

via Chris who is the seller.

ESQ-1 Digital / Analog Synthesizer (Episode 2 Preview)

YouTube via williamenroh.

"This is a preview for Inside Synthesis Episode 2. It will demonstrate LFO programming on synthesizers that lack real-time phrase/drumbeat triggering, such as the ESQ-1.

While the ESQ-1 has a built-in sequencer, there's no way to dynamically control the sequences. To make matters more challenging, the ESQ-1 lacks a modulation sequencer of the MS-2000 (as seen in Episode 1).

But that doesn't mean you can't do real-time drumbeats and arpeggiations.

Episode 2 will be finished soon. I had a small setback."

OT: Apple Sucks

RANT:
Just felt the need to say that. I was planning on getting an IPod Classic 160G to hold all my music and my home videos. My home vids are in MPEG-2 format. I went to the Apple store today and asked what I needed to convert the vids to play on the IPod. I was told Quicktime Pro would do it. I buy it and nope. I then read I need the MPEG-2 utility here. Another $20 bucks.

The MPEG-2 site reads (pay close attention here kiddies):

"Transcoding video content

Your MPEG-2 video content can be imported into QuickTime and exported to other formats such as MPEG-4, the new international standard for Internet media, QuickTime Movie or DV Stream, to name a few. The QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component allows the transcode of MPEG-2 video from both multiplexed and elementary video streams(1). By converting your MPEG-2 video content into other formats, it can be used in new forums, such as on the web, on CD-ROM or on DV tape."

I convert the home video and... no audio. So I go to the online support and find this!:

"It is not possible to export the audio portion of a muxed MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 audio/video stream using QuickTime. For editing purposes, the entire MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 stream is treated as a single sample. You may create edit lists to display parts of the stream in the usual way, but if you flatten the movie data, the entire stream is saved, not just the parts displayed in the movie."

I'm sorry, but WTF is that?! Apparently there are no refunds either, so I'm out $54.43 for software I don't even need. Apple sucks. And for the record, every single report of problems with the site have been on the Mac.
RANT Over

So if you are considering doing the same, consider yourself warned. This software seems to work, and was recommended by the guys at Gizmodo, but it will cost me another $29.95 to automate the process.

BTW, if I'm reading the above wrong and it should actually work but I need to do something I'm missing let me know.

BTW, I'm pissed at MS to. Why the hell they released the Zune in only 30G capacity is beyond me.

AH Cali 2007 Images

Two sets are in:

One
Two

AKA AH Bay Area 2007

Update: another set via synchro1
and more from retrosynth.

Sound Transform Systems Serge

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

New Timbral Oscillator
Wave Multiplier
Wilson Analog Delay
Precision Voltage Controlled Oscillator
Mixer
Divide N Comparator
Variable Resonance Voltage Controlled Filter
Universal Audio Processor

Alicia Keys and the Jupiter-8 - VMA Awards

My wife is watching the VMA awards (I'll never admit to it : ). Anyway Alicia Keys just played and get this, she had a Roland Jupiter-8 out on the catwalk. She performed and walked over to it and played a few notes. If anyone has a screen shot of this or sees it on YouTube, post back and I'll update the post up. Not much happens with it, but it was nice seeing something vintage there. There were some nice close-ups of it.

Update: image and link to the video via the comments.

Iapetus - instrumental synth prog rock

YouTube via hamsterdunce.
"More music on umop.com!
Putting the mental in instrumental, once again... Another odd ditty... this one grooves in an alternating 15/8 and 4/4... more epileptic dancing fun for everyone! Backing tracks & rock organ part are all Garage Band... such a great program. Meanwhile, the Nord Lead, Access Virus kb, and trusty old Korg 01/W are along for the ride, with Cthulhu riding shotgun."